GAME REPORT

Bulgarians Edge Germany In Group A Finale

Bulgaria scraped their first win in their final game of the EuroBasket Women Additional Qualifying Round on Monday by defeating Germany 67-66.

With Ukraine having already clinched top spot and sealed the only place on offer for the Final Round from Group A, the Bulgarians and Germans battled it out for pride and the hosts claimed victory by the narrowest of margins as Noel Monik Kuin poured in 16 points.

The game was knotted at 62-62 with 3:53 remaining after a made jump shot by Germany's Katja Bavendam.

Gergana Branzova-Erdenay replied with a jumper not long after for Bulgaria to put them back in front for good.

That shot took Branzova-Erdenay's total to 15 points.

Lea Mersch made certain the last 32 seconds would be interesting after scoring for Germany to close the gap to 67-66.

Bulgaria ran the clock all the way down to eight seconds but failed to score, and Germany got the ball back with one last chance to prevail.

But Alexandra Müller was off target with a three-pointer for the Germans.

Bulgaria finished 1-3 while Germany ended up their Additional Qualifying Round at 2-2.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Bulgaria vs Germany

Nikolay Boroukov, Bulgaria head coach:

"We had a hard game against a strong and experienced team. We deserved the win.

It was very hard to motivate the team after the three defeats before. But I am very pleased with the way we were playing. We showed that this team has a good future.

We missed a lot of shots but this was mainly because of the aggressive defense of the German team. We also played very hard in defense, so we were tired. I am satisfied and congratulate all my players."

Imre Szittya, Germany head coach:

"I am pleased. We came to Bulgaria to play good basketball - and we did. Of course, we wanted to win, even though the game didn't have any meaning.

There were a few situations, where we lost the game. We didn't have a chance in the last seconds. I am satisfied that we improved from game to game during this additional qualifying round.

I also have to say that I am not too happy about this new system with games being played in January."